ROMEX for enphase system ran in attic PLEASE HELP I need a code reference ASAP

Only issue I can think of deals with protection of the cable if it's a walk up attic or around the access hatch.
 
Fred B said:
Try 690.31(A). It is a violation.

".......Where PV source and output circuits operating at voltages greater than 30 volts are installed in readily accessible locations, circuit conductors shall be guarded or installed in Type MC cable or in raceway........"
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IMHO... I would not consider an attic a readily accessible location.
 
jaggedben said:
It's irrelevant! A microinverter output circuit is not a PV source or output circuit.
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So It appears there was some wording changes made in later '23 codes that added "DC" to the section about source and output circuits that wasn't there in the '17 code. But having both "source" and "output" still wording appearing to be separate circuits but basically stated to be the same conductor continues to add to the confusion. If there is a difference, where does the "source" circuit become an "output" circuit?
 
Fred B said:
So It appears there was some wording changes made in later '23 codes that added "DC" to the section about source and output circuits that wasn't there in the '17 code.
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In the 2017 NEC, the definitions at the front of 690 say:

"Photovoltaic Output Circuit. Circuit conductors between the PV source circuit(s) and the inverter or dc utilization equipment."
"Photovoltaic Source Circuit. Circuits between modules and from modules to the common connection point(s) of the dc system."

So both of those terms are defined to be DC.

In the 2023 NEC, the terminology in 690.31(A)(2) was changed from 2017's "PV source and output circuits" to "PV system dc circuit conductors." The definition in Article 100:

"PV (Photovoltaic) System (PV System) (Photovoltaic System). The total components, circuits, and equipment up to and including the PV system disconnecting means that, in combination, convert solar energy into electric energy."

The PV system disconnecting means is on the AC side, and so this definition includes AC inverter output circuits. So the modifier of "DC" was added to 690.31(A)(2) to keep the meaning unchanged.

Cheers, Wayne
 
What Wayne said. FWIW I don't particularly like the 2023 changes. But the thing to understand about the old definitions is that 'PV' really means 'photovoltaic', as in directly connected to and characteristic of the photovoltaic. 'Inverter output' is not specific to the input source (could be battery or any other dc source) and is therefore not a PV circuit (in my book, 2023 NEC notwithstanding). I guess that was too confusing for some people.
 
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